SOM Distilleries & Breweries has appointed Anand Agrawal as its chief marketing officer. With a portfolio of over two decades in brand management, trade marketing, operations, and business development, Anand brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of transformative leadership to SOM Distilleries & Breweries. His strategic foresight will be instrumental in steering the company’s entry and expansion within premium segments of the beverage industry.
Anand’s career includes significant tenures at Hindustan Unilever, United Spirits (Diageo), and Pernod Ricard India, where he led initiatives that improved market share and fostered strong consumer preference for numerous brands. At SOM Distilleries & Breweries, he will oversee the marketing strategies for prominent flagship brands, including Woodpecker, Hunter, Black Fort, Power Cool, and Milestone Blue, aiming to elevate their consumer preference and building stronger connections with the brands, along with entering premium beer, Scotch, and Indian Single Malt (ISM) segments.
“Anand’s distinguished background in enhancing brand vitality and his visionary approach to market challenges are what we need to drive our next phase of growth. His strategic acumen and leadership qualities will undoubtedly enrich our consumer engagement and operational excellence,” Diwakaran Suryanarayana, chief operating officer, SOM Distilleries & Breweries.
In addition to his marketing responsibilities, Anand will play a crucial role in talent development and structuring of the company’s Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) business, with a particular focus on expanding the Scotch and ISM categories. He will also lead efforts to refine operational efficiencies and build a cohesive brand ecosystem that ensures profitability and brand loyalty.